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23/05/2011 – Eight year old Tamzin Truman from Devizes in Wiltshire has had her dearest wish to meet Ashley Tisdale, who plays Sharpay Evans in the High School Musical film series, granted by Starlight Children’s Foundation, the UK’s leading wish granting charity for children with serious and terminal illnesses.

Shortly after birth, Tamzin was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which is a life shortening condition that seriously affects the major organs of the body and particularly the lungs. Tamzin’s mum, Andrea, said: “Tamzin is like any normal eight year old child – she throws tantrums when she can’t get her own way and makes you laugh with the funny things that she says or does – but the only difference between Tamzin and her friends is that she has cystic fibrosis. Although she hates her cystic fibrosis and her treatment, she never lets it get in her way. She is always upbeat.”

Tamzin loves listening to music, dancing and High School Musical and she likes nothing better than to dress up as her favourite character Sharpay Evans – so much so that her mum says she sometimes calls herself Sharpay Tamzin!

When she was referred to Starlight for a once-in-a-lifetime wish, the confident youngster knew immediately that her wish would be to meet her High School Musical heroine. Her mum, Andrea, told Starlight: “The wish for Tamzin would mean that, just for one day, she can forget about cystic fibrosis and can have a day that is not just filled with physiotherapy and medication but with memories that she can look back on and talk about when she is feeling down and needs cheering up – a distraction for when she is poorly.

“For us as parents, the wish is to be able to see her face light up and to see her enjoy a day that is ultimately to make her feel special – a day that we know she will treasure forever and a day where cystic fibrosis can take a back seat.”

With a wave of its magic wand, Starlight arranged for Tamzin to meet the High School Musical star when she was visiting the UK. Tamzin wore her best outfit, which she had changed three times until she got the right one and included special Sharpay socks and knickers!

Tamzin was so speechless at meeting Ashley that all the questions she had prepared for her idol were forgotten but Ashley was incredibly friendly and made Tamzin feel completely at ease. Starlight also arranged for Tamzin to be taken on a shopping spree around some of her favourite shops, where she was able to buy lots of clothes, hats and jewellery. After her wish Tamzin said: “This had been the best day of my life without a doubt!”

Information

Starlight grants a once-in-a-lifetime wish for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds.

Starlight also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box. Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.

You can make a donation online or by calling us on 020 7262 2881. For every £1 you donate, Starlight can assure you that 91p goes towards helping very ill children. To refer a child for a wish, simply complete our wish referral form.

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